Overview

• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the H‑1B fee applies to new petitions starting Sept. 21 and can be charged per beneficiary for up to six years.
• Trump also ordered a review of prevailing‑wage rules for H‑1B roles, signaling tighter limits on how employers can use the program.
• The new Gold Card offers permanent residence for a $1 million individual payment or $2 million via corporate sponsorship, with agencies given 90 days to finalize procedures.
• Major tech employers are bracing for disruption; Amazon advised H‑1B staff in the U.S. to remain and urged those abroad to return before the effective date if possible.
• Lawyers and analysts expect court challenges and complex rulemaking, with critics warning of harm to startups and U.S. competitiveness even as the White House touts worker protections and revenue.